a patient who is being treated for pneumonia starts complaining of sudden shortness of breath an arterial blood gas abg is drawn the abg has the follo

ATI RN

ATI Fluid Electrolyte and Acid-Base Regulation

1. A patient who is being treated for pneumonia starts complaining of sudden shortness of breath. An arterial blood gas (ABG) is drawn. The ABG has the following values: pH 7.21, PaCO2 64 mm Hg, HCO3 = 24 mm Hg. What does the ABG reflect?

A. Respiratory acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Metabolic acidosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale:

2. . A 73-year-old man comes into the emergency department (ED) by ambulance after slipping on a small carpet in his home. The patient fell on his hip with a resultant fracture. He is alert and oriented; his pupils are equal and reactive to light and accommodation. His heart rate is elevated, he is anxious and thirsty, a Foley catheter is placed, and 40 mL of urine is present. What is the nurses most likely explanation for the low urine output?

A. The man urinated prior to his arrival to the ED and will probably not need to have the Foley catheter kept in place.
B. The man likely has a traumatic brain injury, lacks antidiuretic hormone (ADH), and needs vasopressin.
C. The man is experiencing symptoms of heart failure and is releasing atrial natriuretic peptide that results in decreased urine output.
D. The man is having a sympathetic reaction, which has stimulated the reninangiotensinaldosterone system that results in diminished urine output.

Correct answer: D

Rationale:

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has the following laboratory results: potassium 3.4 mEq/L, magnesium 1.8 mEq/L, calcium 8.5 mEq/L, sodium 144 mEq/L. Which assessment should the nurse complete first?

A. Depth of respirations
B. Bowel sounds
C. Grip strength
D. Electrocardiography

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Depth of respirations.' In a client with electrolyte imbalances like low potassium (hypokalemia) and low magnesium (hypomagnesemia), respiratory changes, such as shallow respirations or respiratory muscle weakness, can occur and lead to respiratory compromise. Assessing the depth of respirations is crucial to evaluate respiratory function in this client. Bowel sounds, grip strength, and electrocardiography are also important assessments in different situations, but in this case, respiratory assessment takes priority due to the potential impact of electrolyte imbalances on breathing.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who has just had a central venous access line inserted. Which action should the nurse take next?

A. Begin the prescribed infusion via the new access
B. Ensure an x-ray is completed to confirm placement.
C. Check medication calculations with a second RN.
D. Make sure the solution is appropriate for a central line

Correct answer: B

Rationale:

5. When does dehydration begin to occur?

A. the body reduces fluid output to zero.
B. the body increases the release of ANH.
C. the salivary secretions decrease.
D. the salivary secretions increase.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Dehydration leads to a decrease in the body's fluid levels, causing the salivary glands to produce less saliva, resulting in a dry mouth. Therefore, when dehydration begins to occur, salivary secretions decrease. Choice A is incorrect because the body does not reduce fluid output to zero during dehydration; it tries to conserve fluids. Choice B is incorrect as dehydration does not directly increase the release of ANH (Atrial Natriuretic Hormone). Choice D is incorrect because salivary secretions do not increase but decrease during dehydration.